Edmond de Rothschild's Paris Offices Searched in Epstein-Related Diplomat Investigation

Child welfare advocates from the 'Mouv' Enfants' association recreated a mock crime scene outside the French Foreign Ministry in Paris, voicing their concerns over the state's handling of a case connected to allegations of corruption. Former bank employee Fabrice Aidan has been implicated for purportedly sharing sensitive UN documents. French prosecutors are investigating Aidan for alleged 'passive corruption.' Reports indicate that Ariane de Rothschild, the head of the Swiss bank, was present during the search. On March 24, 2023, French authorities conducted a raid on the Paris premises of Edmond de Rothschild as part of an investigation into claims of corruption involving Aidan, a diplomat whose name surfaced in over 200 documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein. These documents, released by the U.S. Justice Department, include emails allegedly exchanged between Aidan and Epstein, revealing the transfer of confidential UN Security Council briefings. Aidan has denied any wrongdoing, and his lawyer has yet to provide comments. The French Foreign Ministry completed an administrative inquiry with approximately 30 interviews conducted, indicating cooperation from all summoned staff and the potential for disciplinary actions. The search, conducted under the financial prosecutor’s authority, revealed that Edmond de Rothschild is cooperating fully with investigators and has initiated its own internal inquiry following suspicions regarding Aidan’s tenure at the bank from 2014 to 2016. The investigation looks specifically at accusations of passive corruption involving Aidan. Swiss financial regulators and prosecutors have not confirmed their involvement in the investigation. Additionally, the files released by U.S. authorities include references to Ariane de Rothschild's personal correspondence with Epstein, which continued until his arrest in 2019. The bank maintains that de Rothschild had no knowledge of Epstein's unlawful activities.